The Scots pine was one of the first tree species to colonise Ireland after the most recent Ice Age. About 5,000 years ago when it underwent a massive decline. The last known specimen of native Scots pine in Ireland was dated to AD 400. Non-native stock was re-introduced in the Irish landscape and the species is now widespread. Yet the question remains open; did native Scots pine survive in some unknown refuge?

In this lecture Dr Jenni Roche will outline the findings of this and other new research on Scots pine which has significant implications for the status of this species in Ireland.